I Promise Not to Tell

"Promise me that you will not tell a soul!"

"I promise."

"When she told me, she made me swear that I would tell no one. But you are my best friend, so I must tell you! Plus, you don't really know her. So what harm would it do?"

"Tell me, already! I'm dying to hear."

"Ok..you promise not to tell.  Right?"

"Yes. Right. Spill it." Within a weeks time, the secret had been passed around to over 100 people, and most recently, has headlined the Patch.

Secrets are by definition to be hidden. That implies that one hides, nestles away, and is closemouthed about something. Once you tell..ONE other person, you should be aware that it is no longer a secret. Do not pass it around as if you are sharing a snack with your friend. It's not food for thought. If you tell ONE other person, might as well have it published in the newspaper!

Susie kissed Mike behind the bleachers, during the football game. Susie is Joey's girlfriend, and Mike is Brenda's boyfriend. No one saw this secluded moment because all were rooting for EMHS..as they scored another touchdown. Sure, Mike was really upset that he missed the winning play, but Susie was happy that Joey was busy, in the stands, yelling his head off. Everything was perfect; or so it seemed. After the kiss, each swore to keep it a secret..since neither wanted to break-up with their partner. It was agreed. Oh, brother! Do they have a lot to learn!

Like most young people, Susie felt so special when someone, other than her boyfriend showed an interest in her.  Once she got home, she immediately called her BFF and told her 'the secret.' Of course, when the BFF told her sister, she made her swear not to say anything to anyone. However, the sister, who never liked Susie to begin with, could not help sharing 'the secret' with her three chickas that night when they were out clubbing.

This illustrates how easily the secret spred. Naturally, to make my point, I've used fictitious names, ages, gender, and scenarios. In real life, the secret may not be about a relationship, but about a business venture or even the misconduct of an individual who is held in high esteem. Secrets are only secrets if they are NOT told to anyone. Of course, as time passes, and you are no longer President, someone who is still alive, may come forth and spill the beans in a book, and make millions over your indiscretions. Everyone has a secret that they take to the grave. Only then is it a secret...when no one knows, but the person who did it or said it...and they're now dead! By the way, there is no such thing as a little secret vs. a big secret. The size does not matter; both travel at the speed of light, when leaked or shared!    Peace.